Research

With support from government and industry, Flinders Bioremediation operates an in-house research and development program which complements our core capabilities and expertise.

In 2002, the company was awarded an Ausindustry Bioinnovation Fund grant to further develop a patented process that uses a fungal/bacterial co-culture to degrade Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in contaminated soil. PAHs are hazardous soil contaminants commonly found at old gas works sites and wood treatment facilities. The project aims to demonstrate the efficacy of the process in pilot-scale and full-scale bioremediation trials.

Flinders Bioremediation conducts a number of joint research projects with Flinders University. Current projects include:

• Bioremediation of PAHs using novel microbial cultures
• Characterization of bacteria able to degrade high molecular weight PAHs
• Biogas production from food waste using anaerobic digestion
• Phytoremediation for remediation of hydrocarbon contaminated soil

For more information on research programs at Flinders Bioremediation, please contact:

Dr Richard Bentham
Scientific Advisor
Email: richard.bentham@flinders.edu.au